Rachel’s Corner
The work of justice will be peace, the effect of justice, calm and security forever. (Isaiah 32:17)
· do a personal eucharistic stations of the cross.
· Jesus is Flower of Jesse: Isaiah 11:1-3 Symbols: flower, plant with flower
· How to celebrate Dec 19th
o Ever felt the urge to delve into the emo side of life? Toss on some dark eyeliner, blast sad music, and pen some poetry. Let each tear become a badge of honor on National Emo Day. Next up, indulge in the underrated delight of oatmeal muffins. Bake a batch to savor with a steaming cup of tea, celebrating National Oatmeal Muffin Day. Then, let the sweetness linger with some nostalgic hard candies. Pop a few in your mouth, reveling in the sugary taste on National Hard Candy Day. Afterward, embark on a scavenger hunt for the perfect evergreen. Embrace the search, enjoying the crisp air and earthy scents on Look for an Evergreen Day. Get ready to declutter and destress by embracing the art of re-gifting. Find a hidden gem in your possessions and pass it along on National Re-Gifting Day. Lastly, pay homage to the unsung heroes and heroines in your life. Write a letter, make a call, or simply reflect on their impact on National Heroes and Heroines Day. So, go ahead and immerse yourself in this delightful medley of offbeat celebrations!
Best Place to visit in December: Antarctica
Now’s as good a time as any to finally book that once-in-a-lifetime trip you’ve always dreamed about—like an expedition to Antarctica, for example. The white continent is at its best from December to March, when wildlife is active and the sun shines for nearly 24 hours a day. And while trips like these typically require a lot of advance planning, there’s still time to book a spot on an expedition cruise ship before 2024 wraps up (although you may want to use this time to start researching for next year).
Ponant has seven sailings available through the end of December, with trips ranging from 10 to 15 nights and including stops in South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. Another great option is Quark Expedition’s “Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent” voyage, an 11-day trip with four departure dates within the month of December (plus many in 2025). Each sailing includes the typical stops, but Quark also started offering a majorly cool add-on a few years ago: alpine heli-trekking, in which guests board a helicopter (just imagine those views) and fly to typically inaccessible terrain to enjoy hiking or snowshoeing.
Thursday Feast
Thursday is the day of the week that our Lord gave himself up for consumption. Thursday commemorates the last supper. Some theologians believe after Sunday Thursday is the holiest day of the week. We should then try to make this day special by making a visit to the blessed sacrament chapel, Mass or even stopping by the grave of a loved one. Why not plan to count the blessing of the week and thank our Lord. Plan a special meal. Be at Peace.
Dinner Menu
33 days to Christmas-Start the 33 days to Eucharistic Glory[1]
Want to start a small group? Download our 33 Days to Eucharistic Glory Study Guide
Day 28
On this 28th day the reception of the
Eucharist compels us to greater unity with the church
Copilot:
The reception of the Eucharist compels Catholics to
greater unity with the Church in several profound ways:
1. Shared
Belief and Practice: The Eucharist is a central belief and practice in
the Catholic faith. Participating in this sacrament unifies believers around a
common ritual that transcends individual differences.
2. Communion
with Christ: Receiving the Eucharist is a direct encounter with
Christ, which strengthens the bond between the individual and the entire Body
of Christ, the Church.
3. Sense of
Belonging: The communal aspect of the Eucharist fosters a
sense of belonging to the Church family, reinforcing the idea that believers
are part of a larger spiritual community.
4. Unity in
Diversity: The Eucharist brings together people from diverse
backgrounds and cultures, united in their shared faith and devotion to Christ.
5. Strengthening
Community Bonds: Regular participation in the Eucharist helps build
and strengthen relationships within the Church community, fostering mutual
support and encouragement.
6. Commitment
to the Church’s Mission: The Eucharist inspires believers to commit to the
Church’s mission of spreading the Gospel and serving others, working together
to build the Kingdom of God.
7. Living
Out Christ’s Commandments: By receiving the Eucharist, Catholics are reminded
of Christ’s commandments to love God and love one another. This common goal
unites believers in their efforts to live out these teachings.
8. Mutual
Forgiveness: The Eucharist encourages believers to seek and
offer forgiveness, promoting reconciliation and unity within the Church.
9. Sharing
in Christ’s Sacrifice: The Eucharist is a participation in Christ’s
sacrificial love, which calls believers to live sacrificially and selflessly,
fostering greater unity and compassion within the Church.
10. Strengthening
the Church’s Witness: A united Church is a stronger witness to the world.
The Eucharist empowers Catholics to be effective ambassadors of Christ’s love
and message.
11. Support
in Faith Journey: Receiving the Eucharist provides spiritual support
and strength for individual faith journeys, which is further enhanced by the
collective journey of the Church community.
12. Encouragement
of Service: The Eucharist inspires acts of charity and service,
encouraging believers to work together in ministry and outreach, strengthening
the Church’s communal bonds.
13. Celebration
of Unity: The Eucharist is a celebration of the unity of the
Church, bringing believers together in worship and praise of God.
Through these ways, the reception of the Eucharist not only strengthens individual faith but also reinforces the unity and cohesion of the Church as a whole, fostering a community that is united in purpose, love, and service.
DECEMBER 19 Thursday of the Third Week in Advent
Luke, Chapter 1, verse 13:
But the angel said to him, “Do not be AFRAID, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.
To a Pious Jew and especially a Levi priest the knowledge that God is so holy we dare not even say His name. Notice frequently in the bible the angels will use the term, “Do not be afraid”, and this is because at times we know our sinfulness and may not feel worthy.
Feeling unworthy is a tool the evil one often uses to discourage us from doing good works.
I have felt
this fear of being unworthy often. In the mid-seventies while still a youth in
my 20’s I was chosen to be a lay Eucharistic minister while working at the
South Pole in Antarctica by the priest that had come 900 miles to bring our
Lord to us catholic boys working I didn’t feel worthy; come on this is Richard
you know; but the Priest convinced me that it was the only way and I did want
to bring “Our Lord” to my fellow brothers in Christ.
We must remember that the evil one will sow fear in our hearts trying to convince us we are unworthy and if we listen, we become like the man who out of fear buried his talent in the ground.
God’s Handiwork[1]
Every Christmas although the same in many ways is always new for each Christmas expresses a hope learned from a lifetime of praising God. For every Christmas if we open our eyes to truth, we will see the handiwork of God, the rock of our salvation. Perhaps in these final days of anticipation it would do us well to reflect on the virtues of Mary Christ’s very own mother and in these final days in some way reflect them in our own lives.
Generosity[2] the mode of Our Lady’s soul
Our Lady puts all she has at God’s disposal. In an instant, all
her personal plans – and no doubt she had many – were discarded so that she
could do everything God wanted her to. She made no excuses, had no
reservations. From the very first moment, Jesus is the one great ideal of her
life. Throughout her life on earth Our Lady showed limitless generosity.
Among the few episodes of the Gospel that refer to her, two of them speak
directly of her attention to the wants of others. She generously gave of her
time to look after her cousin St Elizabeth until the birth of her son, John,
and she was solicitous for the well-being of the young couple and their guests
at the wedding reception in Cana of Galilee. Such attitudes
were second nature to her. Her neighbors in Nazareth would have much to tell us
about Mary’s innumerable little services to them in their everyday
lives. The Blessed Virgin never thought of herself, but of others. She did
her household chores with the greatest simplicity and happiness while
maintaining the deepest interior recollection, for she knew that God was within
her. In Elizabeth’s house everything was sanctified by Our Lady and the Child
she carried in her womb. In Mary we confirm the truth that generosity is a
virtue of great souls, who know how to find their reward in the act of giving: you
received without pay, give without pay. A generous person knows how
to be loving and understanding and how to give material help without demanding
love, understanding or help in return. He gives and forgets he has given, and
in this lies his riches. He has understood that it is better to give than
to receive. He realizes that to love is in its essence to give
oneself to others. Far from being an instinctive inclination, love is a
conscious decision of the will to draw close to other people. To be able to
love truly it is important to be detached from everything and,
especially, from self, to give gratuitously … This detachment from self is the
source of a balanced personality. It is the secret of happiness.
Christmas gift suggestions
·
to your enemy, forgiveness.
·
To an opponent, tolerance.
·
To a friend, your heart.
·
To a customer, service.
·
To all, charity.
·
To every child, a good example.
·
To yourself, respect.”
— Oren Arnold
Spiritual Crib[3]
A special devotion that can be performed during Advent to prepare for the coming of the Infant Savior. It can be adapted for adults and/or children and applied as is appropriate to your state in life.
· 9th day, December 19th: THE OX—Silence Today we may speak nothing unnecessary, much less give way to distracting thoughts. On the contrary, hold interior converse with God by loving aspirations to Him.
Come
to deliver us, and tarry not.
O Root of Jesse, who stands for an ensign of the people, before whom kings shall keep silence and unto whom the Gentiles shall make supplication: Come to deliver us, and tarry not.
O Root of Jesse
"Come to deliver us and tarry not." The world cries out for Christ its King, who shall cast out the prince of this world (John 12:31). The prince of this world established his power over men as a result of original sin. Even after we had been delivered from the servitude of Satan through the death of Christ on the cross, the prince of this world attempts to exercise his power over us. "The devil, as a roaring lion, goeth about seeking whom he may devour" (I Pet. 5:8). In these trying times, when faith in Christ and in God has largely disappeared, when the propaganda of a pagan culture is broadcast everywhere, and the forces of evil and falsehood rise up to cast God from His throne, who does not feel the power of the devil?
Does it not appear that we are approaching that time when Satan will be released from the depths of hell to work his wonders and mislead, if possible, even the elect? (Apoc. 20:2; Matt. 24:24.)
"Come, tarry not." Observe
how thoroughly the world of today has submitted to the reign of Satan. Mankind
has abandoned the search for what is good and holy. Loyalty, justice, freedom,
love, and mutual trust are no longer highly regarded. Establish, O God, Thy
kingdom among us, a kingdom established upon truth, justice, and peace.
"Come, tarry not." "Thy kingdom come."
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Day
190
1384 The Lord addresses an invitation to us, urging us to
receive him in the sacrament of the Eucharist: "Truly, I say to you,
unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no
life in you."
1385 To respond to this invitation we must prepare
ourselves for so great and so holy a moment. St. Paul urges us to examine our
conscience: "Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the
Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of
the Lord. Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the
cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks
judgment upon himself." Anyone conscious of a grave sin must receive
the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to communion.
1386 Before so great a sacrament, the faithful can only
echo humbly and with ardent faith the words of the Centurion: "Domine, non
sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meum, sed tantum dic verbo, et sanabitur anima
mea" ("Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but
only say the word and my soul will be healed."). and in the Divine
Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom the faithful pray in the same spirit:
O Son of God, bring me into communion today with your
mystical supper. I shall not tell your enemies the secret, nor kiss you with
Judas' kiss. But like the good thief I cry, "Jesus, remember me when you
come into your kingdom."
1387 To prepare for worthy reception of this sacrament, the
faithful should observe the fast required in their Church. Bodily demeanor
(gestures, clothing) ought to convey the respect, solemnity, and joy of this
moment when Christ becomes our guest.
1388 It is in keeping with the very meaning of the
Eucharist that the faithful, if they have the required dispositions, receive
communion each time they participate in the Mass. As the Second Vatican
Council says: "That more perfect form of participation in the Mass whereby
the faithful, after the priest's communion, receive the Lord's Body from the
same sacrifice, is warmly recommended."
1389 The Church obliges the faithful "to take part in
the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days" and, prepared by the
sacrament of Reconciliation, to receive the Eucharist at least once a year, if
possible during the Easter season. But the Church strongly encourages the
faithful to receive the holy Eucharist on Sundays and feast days, or more often
still, even daily.
1390 Since Christ is sacramentally present under each of
the species, communion under the species of bread alone makes it possible to
receive all the fruit of Eucharistic grace. For pastoral reasons this manner of
receiving communion has been legitimately established as the most common form
in the Latin rite. But "the sign of communion is more complete when given
under both kinds, since in that form the sign of the Eucharistic meal appears
more clearly." This is the usual form of receiving communion in the Eastern
rites.
Evergreen Day[6]
Every year one thing
remains the same around the holidays, people everywhere have to decide at what
point before the big day they’re going to go out and hunt down a Christmas tree.
Look for an Evergreen Day is about the last opportunity you have
if you haven’t already gotten yours to ensure you have a tree for the Holidays.
Even if you’ve already got your tree for this year, this is a great opportunity
to go out and familiarize yourself with the other types of Evergreens in your
neighborhood, and discover that these regal giants are around you all year
round. Look for an Evergreen Day was originally established by the National
Arborist Association to create a day to appreciate the beauty of these trees
outside of the confines of merely being bedecked with glittering lights and
ornaments even in the depths of winter these noble trees keep their foliage,
providing that wonderful green and white contrast that is so representative of
deep winter. Evergreens have played an important role in many societies
throughout the ages, selected for religious observances due to their seemingly
eternal nature even in a season of death, ·but that’s not the only place
they’re represented, the Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest were
entirely reliant on the red cedar for multiple aspects of their culture. Whether
they were making clothing, fishing line, ropes, or building their homes or
canoes, the red cedar was vital a vital part of their lives. Going back even
further, most people have heard about how Socrates was made to drink a glass of
hemlock tea, which he did with his normal unflinching nature. Hemlocks are a
shade tolerant evergreen with short striped needles. As you can tell, knowing
the difference between your evergreens could one day save your life!
How to
celebrate Look for an Evergreen Day
·
The
best way to celebrate is to grab a book of local flora/fauna, and head out to
identify all the different types of evergreen plants that grow in your part of
the world· There are literally thousands of different varieties from every
place in the vegetable kingdom, so there are certain to be multiple examples in
your local area.
·
Obviously,
if you haven’t gotten your tree yet, then Look for an Evergreen Day is when it should
happen· By understanding the difference between Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, and
the dozens of other varieties of Christmas Tree available, you’ll know which
ones will have the most even spread, which ones will be the most dense, and
will best compliment your home and decorating scheme.
Christmas
Tree[7]
The
Christmas tree has become one of the most accepted traditions of the modern
world at Christmas. Here we have a short explanation of the Christian
symbolism.
It's not always possible
to set up a tree at Christmas Eve but waiting until the 3rd or 4th Sunday of
Advent is a good compromise.
DIRECTIONS
There is a beautiful
symbolism in the traditional Christmas tree which is so popular in our country.
The tree represents the long period of waiting for the coming of the Christ,
Who is represented by a star or some other shining ornament at the top of the
tree. The ornaments, candles and lights represent His gifts and graces to us.
This meaning of the Christmas tree should be made clear to all the children of
the family — they will love the element of mystery they find here.
In Germany and in many
other countries, candy, cookies and nuts are hung on the branches. The children
love this. These articles represent good things which can be eaten as well as
looked at.
Therese Mueller suggests
that the best time to put up the tree is on Christmas Eve, and not before. All
of the symbolism points to the Nativity of Our Lord and premature erection of
the tree and crib takes something from the meaning of these things (Cf. Family Life
in Christ, Liturgical Press: Collegeville, MN, p. 15).
Activity
Source: How to Make Your House a Home by Rev. Bernard Stokes, O.F.M., Family
Life Bureau, Washington D.C., 1955
Festival Of Winter Walks[8]
It’s the Festival of
Winter Walks — it’s a touch chilly out there, so bundle up before you join the
fun! As the chill of winter sets in and the landscape transforms into a
picturesque scene of frosty beauty, the festive season beckons us to enjoy the
chill of the outdoors. The annual holiday season festival has been a cherished
tradition for families to enjoy for over 30 years. It’s a time to invite all
your friends and family to grab their warmest outdoor gear and enjoy the icy
splendor of nature.
History of the Festival Of
Winter Walks
The Festival of Winter
Walks was founded by a United Kingdom walking charity called the Ramblers
Association. The charitable organization is dedicated to well… rambling. The
group was established in 1935, and since organizing, they have championed
public access for all people to head outdoors and enjoy the beauty and joy that
can only be found in the countryside. They also stand by the belief that
walking is part of leading a healthy lifestyle and a right. They often lead advocacy efforts to keep historic trails open equally to all.
They started celebrating
the Festival of Winter Walks over thirty years ago, and the event promotes
walking as an enjoyable way to stay fit. But more than that, it reminds
everyone to take the time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, even
when the outdoor temperatures turn colder.
With a long commitment to
protecting public access to walkways and advocating within local communities
around the UK, the Ramblers’ Festival of Winter Walks is a wonderful symbol of
both outdoor adventure and unity.
How to Celebrate the
Festival Of Winter Walks
Celebrating the Festival
Of Winter Walks is all about stepping out of your comfy home and into a
wonderfully wintery wonderland and making the most of the season’s unique
beauty. So go ahead and grab your warm, non-slippery boots. Here are some fun
ways to partake in this frosty fiesta:
Embark
on a Themed Winter Walk
Why settle for a regular
stroll when you can have a wintery adventure during the Festival Of Winter
Walks? Organize a ‘Frosty Fauna’ walk to spot winter wildlife, or a ‘Frozen in
Time’ historical tour of your local area. Pull on your warmest winter gear and
set out to explore the hidden winter gems you might otherwise overlook in your
neighborhood.
Host
a Winter Walk Challenge
Gather your friends and
family — it is time to host a Winter Walk Challenge. Who can spot the most
winter birds? Make it a fun competition for all who take you up on the invite.
After walking, end the get-together with hot cocoa and warm pastries as rewards.
Winter
Picnic
No, picnics aren’t just
for summer! Pack a thermos of delicious hot soup, some crusty freshly baked
bread, and a waterproof blanket. Find a scenic spot during your walk and enjoy
a hearty winter feast. Just watch out for curious squirrels!
Nature’s
Treasure Hunt
Turn your walk into a
treasure hunt. To hold a Festival Of Winter Walks scavenger hunt, you will need
to invite any friends who might be down for some winter fun. Then, create a
list of winter-specific items to find. Some good things could be a holly bush,
a frozen pond, or animal tracks in the snow. A treasure hunt will give you a
fun way to engage kids (and adults!) with the natural world.
Reflective
Solo Walk
For a more reflective
experience, take a solo walk. Use this time to reflect on the year gone by and
get yourself mentally prepared for the next year. The peaceful winter setting
is perfect for setting your intentions and a bit of mindful meditation.
Hot
Chocolate Hop
You’ve heard of — or
perhaps even participated in — a pub crawl. Give that idea a fun twist during
the Festival of Winter Walks and organize a Hot Chocolate Hop. Plan a route
that includes a stop at a local café or a friend’s house for a hot chocolate break.
You could even set up a small outdoor station with a portable stove for making
hot chocolate. Enjoying a warm, sweet drink halfway through the walk is a
perfect way to keep spirits high and bodies warm.
Have
a Winter Walking Nature Photography Contest
Get your artistic friends
together for a friendly competition. Invite them to bring their cameras or
smartphones and capture the outrageous beauty of the wintry landscape. After
the walk, have a photography contest where everyone votes on categories like
‘Best Winter Landscape,’ ‘Funniest Snow Photo,’ or ‘Most Artistic Ice
Formation.’ Have some fun prizes on hand — maybe some ice themed novelty items.
Daily Devotions
·
Unite in the work of the Porters of St. Joseph by joining them
in fasting: Today's Fast: Conversion of Sinners
·
Rosary
[5]https://www.dynamiccatholic.com/33-days-to-eucharistic-glory/33EG.html?srsltid=AfmBOopIHMivIR422BjtUtJ2KZm8-MrVMEJFtxZYH7ZkFuXRwdu5G1Qi#longDescription
[7]https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=555
Comments
Post a Comment